Sony’s alleged new 30-day license check raises concerns over offline digital games access

A few days ago, some users discovered that Sony had implemented a new digital license check process for PS4 and PS5 games, sparking concerns after warnings appeared about a 30-day online check-in and countdown-style validity periods that could potentially limit game access after that timeframe. The alerts caused confusion, with some users thinking they were bugs, while others reported that setting their console as the primary device did not remove the requirement.

Sony Support later confirmed the license check was intentional, mainly affecting digital copies rather than physical games. Reports also suggested this change applied mostly to titles installed after a firmware update released in March. User frustration escalated due to concerns about losing access to purchased single-player games when offline, especially given Sony’s past statements opposing always-online digital rights management in 2013.

Sony later clarified that the change does not introduce ongoing DRM. Instead, players only need a one-time online check to confirm a game’s license, after which Sony says purchased digital titles should continue working without further validation. A theory suggests the change may address refund-related license exploits, but Sony has not confirmed that.